Is Panerai a high-end watch?

Yes, Panerai is a high-end watch. However, the luxury watchmaker began as a humble watch retail and repair facility opened by Giovanni Panerai in Florence in 1860. By the early 20th century, it had established itself as a major supplier of seaworthy timepieces for the Royal Italian Navy. Its Radiomir collection, named for the radium-based paint that was patented by Panerai in 1916 and used on its luminous dials, was especially popular for underwater military missions. Panerai watches are visually distinctive, and the brand's statement-making oversized models are a big hit with today's collectors. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of Panerai watches.